Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar made a heartfelt and powerful statement on live television, condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people. Speaking ahead of the IPL 2025 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals, Gavaskar expressed his grief and frustration, urging for peace and unity.
“I send my condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones,” Gavaskar said during the pre-match coverage. “It has affected all of us Indians deeply. I want to ask the perpetrators and their backers — what has all this fighting achieved? In the last 78 years, not a single millimetre of land has changed hands. And it won’t in the next 78,000 years either. So why not live in peace and work together to strengthen our nation?”
Gavaskar’s words echoed across the cricketing world, which stood united in mourning. During the Mumbai Indians vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad match, all players and officials wore black armbands. A minute’s silence was observed, and the usually festive atmosphere was replaced with solemnity — no music, no fireworks, no cheerleaders — just a message on the screen: “Let’s all stand for peace and humanity.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued a strong condemnation of the attack. “The cricketing community is deeply shocked by the tragic loss of innocent lives,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. “We stand with the families in this hour of grief.”
Gavaskar’s passionate appeal for peace has struck a chord with millions, reminding the nation that even amidst games, real-life tragedies demand compassion, unity, and change.